May 14, 2013

Sacramento police released a sketch today of a man who reportedly ordered an 11-year-old girl into his car in North Natomas last week.

On Wednesday, the girl was walking home in the area of Honor Parkway and Bill Bean Circle about 4 p.m. when a man pulled up in a black sports utility vehicle, according to police. The man got out of the car and ordered the girl to get in, but she ran and told her parents what had happened.

The man was described to police as a black man in his 20s with dark blue eyes and long black hair. A police sketch artist worked with the 11-year-old to create the sketch, pictured at left.

Police are still investigating whether the incident is linked to the kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl in south Sacramento County over the weekend. In that Saturday afternoon incident, Sacramento sheriff's detectives say a man grabbed the girl, who was walking along 47th Avenue near Stockton Boulevard with her mother, and forced her into the trunk of his car.

The girl soon was able to open the trunk and jump out. She was not seriously injured.

According to the Sheriff's Department, that suspect was described as a man 25 to 35 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing 170 to 190 pounds. He had light brown skin and shoulder-length, black hair worn in braids or dreadlocks. He was wearing a black shirt with a white design on the front, and was driving a dark green or blue four-door sedan with tinted windows.

An artist also produced a sketch of that suspect, pictured at left.

Sacramento police Officer Michele Gigante said detectives from the two agencies are exchanging information but have not been able to determine whether the same man is responsible for both crimes.

In light of the recent incidents, police are trying to spread the following safety tips for children:

-Avoid walking alone.

-Avoid short cuts and walk only in safe areas.

-Never go into a stranger's home or car.

-If approached or followed by a car, do not approach or speak to anyone inside. Instead, run and get help.

-Remain alert to your surroundings.

-Always report suspicious behavior.

Anyone with information about the identity of either suspect is asked to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, or to text in a tip to 274637 with "SACTIP" followed by the tip information. Callers cam remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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